8 d. ago China cautions against ‘compound errors’ from clashing policies

A mouthpiece for China’s ruling Communist Party has warned against conflicting economic measures, urging officials to better guide market expectations in a front-page commentary highlighting Beijing’s growing focus on policy coordination. “The more policies there are, the greater the risk they will be working at odds,” the People’s Daily editorial said on Friday, pointing to China’s increasingly complex economic environment, “with more and more policy dilemmas emerging and greater demands on...

Events

1 week ago US says it will take control of Venezuela oil sales indefinitely

Expanding on the US administration’s increasingly robust view of foreign energy and security policy, a senior US official said on Wednesday that Washington expects to take control of future Venezuelan oil sales until further notice and use the proceeds to rebuild the nation’s beleaguered economy. The comments add to the conflicted messaging from US President Donald Trump’s administration on how it plans to run Venezuela following Saturday’s military strike that saw Nicolas Maduro and his wife...

Politics

1 week ago US says it will take control of Venezuela oil sales indefinitely after seizing tankers

Expanding on the US administration’s increasingly robust view of foreign energy and security policy, a senior US official said on Wednesday that Washington expects to take control of future Venezuelan oil sales until further notice and use the proceeds to rebuild the nation’s beleaguered economy. The comments add to the conflicted messaging from US President Donald Trump’s administration on how it plans to run Venezuela following Saturday’s military strike that saw Nicolas Maduro and his wife...

Events

1 week ago US seizes oil tankers as it moves to take control of Venezuela’s oil sales indefinitely

The US captured two oil tankers on the high seas as a senior US official said on Wednesday that Washington expects to take control of future Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely and use the proceeds to help America and rebuild the nation’s beleaguered economy. The seizure of the vessels, including one after a two-week chase, comes as US President Donald Trump’s administration takes an increasingly aggressive approach to foreign energy and security policy. Since Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia...

Events

2 w. ago FBI says it disrupted potential New Year’s Eve attack inspired by Islamic State

The FBI said on Friday it had disrupted a plot to attack a North Carolina supermarket and fast-food restaurant on New Year’s Eve, arresting a man who officials said was inspired by Islamic State and had pledged loyalty to the extremist militants. Christian Sturdivant, 18, of Mint Hill, North Carolina, was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terror organisation after officials say he communicated his attack plans to an undercover FBI (Federal bureau of Investigation)...

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2 w. ago Increased police presence in Sydney for New Year’s Eve following Bondi terror attack

Australian authorities on Tuesday said there would be an increased police presence in Sydney on New Year’s Eve, less than three weeks after 15 people were killed in the Bondi terror attack. More than 2,500 officers will be on high-visibility patrols in Sydney on Wednesday, New South Wales (NSW) Police said in a statement. NSW Premier Chris Minns said Wednesday would see the “largest deployment of police for a New Year’s Eve celebration ever”. The measures are in place to help people feel safe,...

Events

2 w. ago In a year of conflict, global science cooperation has shown the way

Looking back on 2025, we may be justified in calling it an annus horribilis for the world. There seems to be no end to the bad news: the war in Ukraine, the destruction of Gaza, the terror attack in Australia and the significant economic and political setbacks faced by many nations in Asia and across the world. All these paint a rather grim picture. However, there is more than a glimmer of hope on the horizon. International science cooperation has strengthened significantly this year, in spite...

Events

3 w. ago Australian policeman injured in Bondi terror attack wakes from coma

A police officer injured in the Bondi terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia has woken from a medically induced coma, his family said. New South Wales (NSW) police constable Scott Dyson, 25, was one of two officers wounded when investigators allege Naveed Akram and his father Sajid opened fire on a crowd of more than 1,000 people at Sydney’s Archer Park on December 14. The attack killed 15 people and injured dozens more. Accused gunman Naveed Akram, 24, faces 15 murder charges and...

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3 w. ago Taiwan ramps up security measures for coming holidays after deadly stabbings

Taiwan has bolstered security ahead of the coming holidays to pre-empt potential copycat attacks following a deadly mass stabbing that has left the island on edge. The island’s Ministry of the Interior and National Police Agency (NPA) ordered tighter deployments at transport hubs and major events, increased monitoring of online threats and accelerated reviews of police resources and command procedures. Announced in separate statements on Tuesday, the measures came after last week’s violence...

Events

4 w. ago Death toll in Hong Kong fire rises to 161 after new DNA match

One more person has been confirmed dead in Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire, bringing the death toll to 161, the police chief has said, citing results of further forensic analysis. “Further forensic tests found the DNA of another person in one of the bodies, identified as belonging to a couple. This means the death toll has increased to 161,” Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming said on Saturday after a passing-out parade at the Hong Kong Police College. “DNA tests are being carried out. We do not...

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